The catalyst forest

The anthro Anubis stepped out of the shadows, fixing up the gold and silver braclets around his wrists; making them clink together softly. He looked up after he was done, the light from the soft glowing lamp showing the many scars from battles he had seen upon his arms, neck and face.
"We have three choices." Athanasius said. "One: to speed up the rate we are working at to bring our leader back. Two: find Nyyrikkianna and kill her but we know how much of a impossible task that is. Or three: destroy Valkorein entirely so she'll have to reason to return. We could try perhaps to turn him into one of us, it might work this time. I personally want to set fire to Qurade, the angels tree."

Zuhalen listened in grim silence as the anubis spoke. Vaughn replied with a tired voice.
"Yes, if we can be sure to prevent the consequences. I very much like your idea, Athanasius. As for speeding up the ressurrection process, I have grown weak with my efforts, and am not sure that is any more possible than killing Nyyrikkianna. Valkorien, however, could be delt with, I believe, but not without risk if he did indeed go with Aleetha, for she will have brought him into the city itself. Yes, setting fire to Qurade... I'm in favor of this."

The Anubis smiled. "Shall we start our planning then?"

"Yes," Vaughn replied. Rising from her black cushion, she uttered an eerie, almost musical screech, the signal for the most important leaders of the demonic army to gather. A golden gryphon and a wirey black fox with ripped ears and a scar down his cheek were the first to arrive, standing at attention on either side of Zuhalen and the eagle.

Athan bowed deeply in respect for the leaders and explained to them the happenings of that day.

The war leaders nodded in aknowledgement, and stood deep in thought.
"Qurade," Vaughn added, "Will not be difficult to reach unscathed and unseen if we choose the right soldiers. Who among the Shadowforce has gifts that will hide them from hostile eyes and ears?"
"A small number," replied the battlescarred fox in his deep voice, "but they have other gifts as well. They will be enough for the task."
"Shall we summon them here now?" asked Vaughn.
"I will bring them," the gryphon answered in her silky voice. She spread her golden wings and flew out of the tent.

"I would just like to request that I go along." Athan said softly.

"Of course," said the fox, his green eyes brightening. "You are more than welcome to join us."

Athanasius inclined his head. "We shall leave immediately. "Will you join us Vaughn?"

"I'd be delighted," Vaughn said, a bloodthirsty smile crawling across her deceivingly pretty face. At that moment the gryphon returned, lighting on the floor among them.
"They are just outside," she informed them. "Those with the gifts of invisibility, silence, and great speed."
Zuhalen spoke up. "I can become the element fire."
Both the fox and the gryphon fastened their eyes on him with interest.
"Then you shall come as well," said the fox. Turning, the fox led the group outside.

Athanasius smiled at Vaughn and followed the group outside and stopped at the back.

The fox general announced the plan to the small group of demons outside. Then they set off in a silent line into the darkness, taking to the sky or stalking through the underbrush.

Athanasius walked silently into the trees his body colour darkening to black.

The gryphon general flew higher than the rest, cloaked by the rays of the moon. Vaughn flew through the treetops, mixing with the shadows. Zuhalen flew silently behind her, ready to turn to fire at a moment's notice. On the ground, the fox general melded into the ground, becoming one with the earth.

Athanasius continued at a run, his spear slashing at vines and stopped at the river a few minutes later.

The group gathered at the edge of the river, perched in trees and crouched on the bank.
"We're on the border now," the fox general said quietly after he re-materialized. "On the other side of the river is angel territory. From here on out stealth is mandatory."

"Agreed." Athanasius rumbled. "Proceed with caution the lot of you." He then stepped into the no mans land of the shallow water.

The two generals followed, then the rest of the group. As they silently entered the water, some of them turned its color and others became water themselves. Those who didn't have camouflage or water abilities simply kept a keen eye on things around them, making no sound.

The Anubis didn't bother with any of the things the others did. Quickly looking around he then strode through the water with long proud strides.

Reaching the shore, they covered ground quickly. The deeper they were in the angel forest, the more uneasy was the eerie feeling that came over Zuhalen, until it became disturbing. Vaughn was affected by the enchantment as well, but none of them let it show.

"Do not use any other powers except for your concelment otherwise they'll sense it." Athanasius said tensely as he walked beside Vaughn.

Vaughn blinked in aknowledgement.
"Wise advice," the fox general's voice said from somewhere ahead, though he could not be seen.
They climbed a rocky slope that ended at the top of a sheer ledge of dark stone. Ahead in the distance, rising out of the mist above the forest spread out below was a monstrous tree that faded into the sky like a mountain.

Athanasius hissed softly and continued to stride forward into the forest.

The fox general strode forward alongside Athanasius, followed by the ground demons.
Zuhalen launched off the ledge and flew low through the treetops with Vaughn and the other winged demons.
"The time has come," the gryphon general said in a chilling silky voice flying ahead. The tree was in plain view now.

"For those who have long range attacks in the air, launch them now." Athan comanded, his voice ringing out.